The LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live signaled the launch of Android Wear, Google’s operating system for smartwatches. They’ve since been followed by the Moto 360, and while it did not fully live up to the hype, it did manage to fulfill many of its promises. Now three more Wear devices are on the way.

On the inside, there’s a lot that these products have in common. To see what sets them apart and choose a favorite, let’s look at them one at a time.

The LG G Watch was one of two smartwatches that simultaneously launched in the Play Store, signaling the debut of Android Wear. While this device looks and feels like a first generation product, there are still reasons to consider picking it up versus newer options that have appeared since.

On the design front, the G Watch is probably the plainest looking option on this list. While you can opt for the white and gold version to spice things up or swap out the watch band, there’s ultimately only so much you can do to mask the look of the thing. It just screams tech product.

The Samsung Gear Live launched at a lower price point than the G Watch, yet it managed to come with a higher screen resolution. This makes its display easier on the eyes, something you might want to keep in mind considering what you will be doing with the watch.

While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the Gear Live is arguably a more stylish watch than the G Watch, which aspires to be nothing more than a buttonless slab of black or white plastic. That said, Samsung’s first Android Wear watch essentially recycles the materials used in one or two of its previously released Gear watches, really sapping this product of its uniqueness.

The Gear Live’s battery doesn’t last as long as the G Watch’s, and it has possibly the most aggravating charging mechanism of any Android Wear device that’s currently out — one that clasps onto the back and doesn’t allow the watch to lie flat in any position except for uncomfortably on its face or awkwardly on its side. Considering this is something you have to do daily, more or less, that’s a pretty big deal.

While the circular display and stainless steel design manage to turn heads, there are serious drawbacks to consider. The LCD screen isn’t actually a complete circle, as there’s a flat edge at the bottom where electronic components are tucked away. The Moto 360’s small battery and older processor also result in a watch that cannot manage the screen-on time of its competitors.

But if you can live with your display turning off whenever you lower your wrist, then the Moto 360 should easily get you through a day with plenty of battery life to spare, and its Qi wireless charging dock can get you back up to full speed in just an hour or two.

Sony has been producing Android-based smartwatches for years now, but it’s adopting Android Wear with its third model. Of the current batch of watches, the SmartWatch 3 looks to be the most rugged. It’s resistant to water, can handle a bit of dust, and wearers probably won’t have to worry too much about dropping the thing.

On the other hand, the SmartWatch 3 has an inherently casual look. Even with replaceable bands, it’s going to be difficult to dress it up. You may be better off leaving it at home when the occasion calls for high heels or a tie. Unfortunately, it’s not available quite yet, only marked as “coming soon”.

The G Watch R will be LG’s second attempt at an Android Wear device, making it the first manufacturer to get a follow-up to market so quickly. Unlike with the Moto 360, this watch has a fully circular LCD display. This is perhaps its biggest appeal.

The trade-off is that you have to deal with more of a frame around the screen to mask the components tucked away at the bottom of the Moto 360. The numbers that circle the G Watch R may make the watch look more traditional depending on the watchface you select, but it could just as easily look out of place when anything else is on the screen.

Aside from the round screen, the G Watch R is functionally similar to its predecessor, though it does benefit from the addition of a heart rate monitor. If you must have a circular watch and can’t live with the Moto 360’s shortcomings, this is your only other option for the time being. It is not currently available to purchase, and it isn’t even listed on Google Play, but it should be coming out sometime this Fall.

The first wave of square Android Wear devices look like gadgets, and Asus intends for the ZenWatch to look more like a watch. The product’s stylish metal body sports curved edges, and its straps are made of leather. With curved Gorilla Glass and a vibrant AMOLED display, the ZenWatch proves that you don’t need a circular screen to show a touch a class.

The design really is the ZenWatch’s greatest appeal. It doesn’t have an ambient light sensor, its IP55 rating is lower than all of its competitors, and its battery isn’t the largest out there. There’s no reason on the spec sheet to particularly favor this watch over any other.

If you balk at the near-toyish look of the other square options and don’t want something round, then this is it. Like the LG G Watch R, the Asus ZenWatch isn’t yet available for purchase or listed on Google Play.

Specifications

Price: Unannounced

Display: 1.63″ 320×320 AMOLED (278 ppi)

Processor: 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400

Dimensions: 50.6 x 39.8 x 7.9-9.4 mm

Weight: 50 g (watch) 25 g (strap)

Battery: 370 mAh

Memory: 4GB of internal storage with 512MB RAM

Sensors: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Heart Rate Monitor

Charging: Proprietary dock

IP Rating: 55

Which Should You Buy?

The answer to this question depends on your needs.

If you want sleek minimalism or something that’s probably not going to look awkward on your wrist, the Moto 360 is your safest bet, followed by the Asus ZenWatch.

If you want a truly circular display and something that can last a little longer between charges, the LG G Watch R is the one to get.

Just want something to wear to the gym or on a jog? Consider the Sony SmartWatch 3.

And if you just want to save money, consider the LG G Watch or the Samsung Gear Live. These devices still maintain a high MSRP, but they’re old enough now where you may be able to snag one online at an enticing rate.

i like moto 360 ,it is my type .but price is expensive for me .I must say I have a copie one of moto 360 from kingsbuying ,cheap but a little weight to wear on ,however i think it to be excellent value for that price range. when i have enough money ,i will get the original moto 360 .

I might be needing a Smartwatch when they develop batteries to last at least a month and incorporate Ambient Temperature, Barometer, etc. Versatile Design also important.. I can't imagine myself charging my watch(!?) every night, besides my phone and notebook. Not a pleasant glimpse :(
Right now, I am happy with my Casio..

The biggest thing I see missing from the reviews above: waterproof (as in totally submersible).
I've killed numbers of watches over the years due to constant washing and occasional (forgetful) immersions (I'm an engineer by trade, specialising in pumping systems).
Guess I'll be sticking with my Pebble for now :)
(yes, a kickstarter version, still getting 6.5+ day's battery life with the watch on my wrist Sat morn to Fri eve).

Bertel both earned a college degree (in the humanities) and built a career using Linux-powered laptops. Now he uses his education and life experience to question the ethical decisions behind today's technology. He advocates the use of free software and believes computing should be accessible to all regardless of economic…